New site announced for library

The Airdrie Public Library (APL) will make their new home at the old fire hall site on Main Street, as endorsed by City council on June 3.

“The Library Board and staff are thrilled that a site has been chosen and that the new library facility project can now move forward quickly,” said Pam Medland, library director.

“We are excited by the opportunities a larger library can offer to library patrons and the city as a whole. In the old fire hall site, the new library will become the gateway to a rejuvenated community, one that recognizes and supports the value of literacy and culture.”

The project to find a new location suitable for APL has been ongoing for years, with much debate amongst councillors.

A report summarizing the planning process was provided to council by the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC).

Engagement with stakeholders was conducted to understand the vision for the new library.

“Airdrie needs to create its own identity,” said Michael Brown with CMLC.

“The library needs to have its own culture component, have the ability to create a walkable downtown, and be a multi-use facility.”

The new facility will be 50,000 square feet with room for much more than just books.

“It will be innovative and meet the needs of the growing community,” said Brown.

Councillors unanimaously voted in favour of the old fire hall site at the meeting.

The location was chosen over the Main Street Square and the Nose Creek Valley Museum.

“Many hours were spent around the table discussing this,” said councillor Darrell Belyk.

“Once we hit the milestone of picking a location, I think we’ll see the downtown start to flourish because of this one initial decision.”

Councillor Tina Petrow did not speak in favour of the old fire hall site, stating previously that she did not want the decision to be rushed due to Council being under pressure.

“I’m not in favour of this recommendation,” she said.

“I will be supporting this to make sure it’s the best library possible. I have faith in our administration. I’m just happy to see this project move forward even if it’s not where I think it should go.”

Approximately $445,000 has been designated in the City’s Capital Budget Plan for 2019 – 2028 to go towards the explanation for APL.

For 2020, the City has also set aside approximately $27.6 million for construction.

Work on the facility is expected to take approximately 59 months, during which the library would remain open and operating at its current location.